They argued the Domino's already had a negative impact on the area, attracting loud revellers late at night and increased littering in the area, caused by diners throwing their pizza boxes away on the street.

Dr Frank Tallett told the committee: "We have reports of littering, moving wheelie bins, urinating in hedges. I don’t appreciate that to be dismissed as speculation.

"We have to acknowledge the balance between the university and residents.

"There’s still a good balance between universities and residents, and this balance could be upset.

"The application extends the frontiers too far."

Ian Kemp added: "The simple fact is that having a shop open until the late hours will attract more people."

Representatives of DPSK, the franchisee which runs the takeaway, attempted to convince the committee to grant them a 24 hour licence.